Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
MINISTER of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire, has said that the children of liberation war veterans must reap the benefits of the country’s independence through targeted empowerment initiatives.
Speaking yesterday at the launch of a US$500 000 revolving empowerment fund at the Zanu-PF Winery Convention Centre in Gweru, Minister Machakaire said that young people, particularly the children of war veterans, have long been marginalised and excluded from national empowerment programmes.
“This is the time for the children of war veterans to enjoy the fruits of the independence struggle through the empowerment programme. Children of war veterans deserved to be empowered as their parents played a pivotal role during the armed struggle that gave birth to a new Zimbabwe,” he said.
“The children of war veterans have been sidelined for years in terms of being involved in empowerment programmes.”
The empowerment programme, launched by Special Presidential Investment Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara, is part of a strategy initiated by President Mnangagwa earlier this year to support the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. The fund will provide financial support, mentorship, and training for youths across Zimbabwe.
“However, our listening President Mnangagwa then said there should be a programme to empower the children of the war veterans, and that is why we are gathered here today for the launch of the youth empowerment programme,” said Minister Machakaire.
He called for the scaling up of the fund to ensure that it reaches all deserving beneficiaries countrywide.
“So, to Dr Tungwarara, if possible, may you see to it that this fund is increased so that we have more funds to create projects for these children. Some of them lost their parents during the liberation struggle,” said Minister Machakaire.
“Some of them had parents who came back with disabilities and could not do anything for their children. As the youth leader, it is my wish to end poverty among the youth.”
The minister urged beneficiaries not to shy away from defending President Mnangagwa and Zanu-PF, saying youth empowerment under the Second Republic was inclusive and meant to leave “no one and no place behind.”
“As your leader, I encourage you to go and defend our President and the party. Vision 2030 will be accomplished if we have you behind him. We are talking of empowerment, and it should go right to the children,” he said.
“We want a bottom-up approach. The children at the bottom must benefit as well. Empowerment programmes brought by President Mnangagwa are for everyone, we don’t want selfish people.”
Speaking during the same event, Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Monica Mavhunga said the Second Republic is committed to empowering the children of war veterans so that they participate in socio-economic development programmes.
“The children of the war veterans are an important constituency that needs to be empowered through these empowerment schemes. Today we are firm that the children of war veterans are not forgotten and certainly not a burden. These are the future leaders of the country,” she said.
Minister Mavhunga said that through access to land, loans and projects, the Government is teaching these youths how to earn money, improve their livelihoods and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
“This scheme is not the end, it is an end to the creation of generational wealth by the beneficiaries who must rise together with legacy in their blood and empowerment through such schemes at hand,” she said
Among those who attended the event were ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera, national chairperson of CZLWVA Cde Phineas Makombe and Zanu-PF’s Deputy Secretary for National Security Cde Tendai Chirau.
